A university town, Santa Cruz is a popular weekend spot with students taking a well-deserved break here, but the laid-back locals also make it a memorable destination. Several nearby beaches have often been referred to as the finest in the Western Hemisphere — how's that for a reason to visit? Book your Santa Cruz vacation rental for a date in paradise!
Top 15 Recommended vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
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Popular Rental Amenities in Santa Cruz
Nearly half of the vacation homes include a pool, which makes Santa Cruz a fantastic destination for people looking to spend vacation poolside. Additionally, more House rental have pools than any other type of property. They are an excellent choice if you go in a group of 4, as that is the number of people they can welcome on average. nearly half of Santa Cruz's vacation homes with pools are within two kilometres of water, divide your time between the pool and the waterfront
What are the top sights in Santa Cruz?
Things to do and see
The pedestrian-friendly downtown strip enjoys its proximity to the beach, and is perfect for a family stroll after dusk. Downtown Santa Cruz regales with its people-watching opportunities, restaurants with global cuisine, cool indie shops and clubs. The city's star attraction is the Beach Boardwalk, which is the only original boardwalk amusement park still in use on the West Coast. Municipal Wharf meanwhile is a great viewing point for the sea lions and pelicans. During winter, stop by Steamers Lane and watch the surfers and sea lions doing their bit to impress cheering onlookers.
Popular with tourists, the Mystery Spot is a visual illusion–based attraction that calls itself a 'gravitational anomaly' for the strange phenomena that take place here. See for yourselves and decide! A hike up to the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) will fetch you stunning bay views, redwood forests and the UCSC Arboretum. Rejuvenate at the clothing-optional family spa Kiva Retreat House, and unwind in your Santa Cruz vacation homes.
Where are the unique attractions in Santa Cruz?
Excursion destinations
The kids will love the Delaveaga Disk Golf Course, which offers free entry and superb views. Next is the oldest state park in California, Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Año Nuevo State Park is home to one of the highest populations of elephant seals. The Natural Bridges State Beach thrills with its monarch butterflies and windsurfing opportunities, while the heavily-forested Henry Cowell State Park boasts the San Lorenzo River that flows through it.
Watersports enthusiasts should definitely indulge in some surfing, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding in Santa Cruz. Mountain biking is a popular activity in the Santa Cruz mountains — note that some inclines can get steep.
What are the must-see attractions in Santa Cruz?
Creating memories in Santa Cruz
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Overlooking the ocean, this hyper-modern building houses an exciting interactive marine animal sanctuary. Exploring the exhibits and marine inhabitants is rewarding for the whole family.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Make friends with a shark, learn about what scientists do, and enjoy views of the famous Monterey Bay at this center which is part of the University of California.
Mystery Spot
A supposed gravitational anomaly, this area has seen strange things happening ever since there have been people to observe them. Visit for quirky visual illusions and lots of fun.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Head to this lively wharf for great shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It's also the starting point for various water sports and boat tours.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Monarch butterflies flood this stunning beach from the end of October until January. It's a natural wonder that the family won't forget in a hurry.
Information about vacation rentals in Santa Cruz
| 🏡 Vacation rentals available | 1,126 rentals |
|---|---|
| 🌙 Nightly prices starting at | $151 |
| ⭐ Popular amenities | Pool, Pets allowed and Internet |
| 🐾 Pet friendly homes | 282 homes |
| 🏊 Vacation rentals with pools | 549 homes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?
We found 1,126 vacation homes in Santa Cruz available for your next trip.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Santa Cruz?
When looking to book a vacation home in Santa Cruz, the most requested amenities include Pool, Pets allowed, and Internet.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Santa Cruz?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 25% of vacation rentals in Santa Cruz are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to visit Santa Cruz?
If you're looking for balmy weather, September and October are typically the hottest months in Santa Cruz with temperatures around 25 °C. January and December in Santa Cruz are the coldest, with 3 °C on average.
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